How to Delay Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Beginning October 17, the Fall Creators Update (version 1709) for Windows 10 will be released to the general users. The update will begin to roll out in phases, beginning with newer devices and eventually reaching out all Windows 10 users. The new update brings about tons of new features such as Story Mix, a Cloud-powered Clipboard, and much more. That being said, if you rely on your system for work, or you simply prefer to wait to make sure that the update is stable enough, read on, as we show you how to delay the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update easily.

Stop Windows 10 Fall Creators Update – Recommended Method

Note: This method only works on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, not on the Home Edition. While this method does delay the Fall Creators Update, your system will still continue to receive all the necessary security patches. This will help patch any security vulnerability in the version you’re running.

A new window should now open up. Scroll down to the “Choose when updates are installed” section. Here, click on the drop-down menu to defer the “feature updates”, as shown in the image below.

From here, you can select the number of days to defer the Fall Creators Update for. For example, I’ve selected to defer the update for 365 days, but you may choose any number as per your preferences.

And that’s it. Your device will not receive the Fall Creators Update until the time you’ve specified, or until you revert the settings.

Avoid Windows 10 Fall Creators Update – Alternative Method

Note: While this method works on all editions of Windows 10, it blocks out all background network related tasks such a Windows Store downloads or the Start Menu’s live updates. Although priority updates will still continue to be downloaded via the Windows Update, it will block the Fall Creators Update.

Under “Network & Internet”, go to “Wi-Fi”, and then click on the name of the network you’re connected to. (In case you want to do this for a different network, you can find the list of the networks your computer has previously been connected to by clicking on “Manage known networks”. If you take this option, click on your desired network name and then click on “Properties”.)

Here, under “Metered connection”, you’ll find a toggle called “Set as metered connection”. Turn this on and you’re done.

And that’s it. Windows 10 will now assume that you have a limited data plan and will not download updates while being connected to this WiFi network.

Block All Windows 10 Updates Completely

Alternatively, you might want to block all the updates for your Windows 10. Be it for your limited data plan, or the unwillingness to take the risk of updating your device, there are a few methods to block out all updates. We recently did an in-depth article on that, which you can check out here.

Delay Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Easily

While any new update does go through the entire Windows Insider Program, there still might be some bugs that were left unreported, which might prop up in the final release. As such, it’s a good measure to wait till the mass rollout of a new update, especially if you rely on your system for work or other important purposes. I know a few people in my office that are definitely going to wait a while before updating. But what about you? Let us know your reasons for deferring the Fall Creators Update, in the comments section below.